Fundraiser For India Caucus Co-chair Crowley

March 2004

A small but prominent group of Indian Americans cut across party affiliations to rally behind Congressman Joseph Crowley (D-NY), at a fundraiser organized in his honor by Krishna Srinivasa at the Global Mall on February 8. The New York Democrat is co-hair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans.

The objective of the fundraiser, "was to thank a real friend of Indian Americans," said Srinivasa, in an online statement to Khabar.

The gratitude for ?a real friend' translated into over $15,000 that was raised at the event. Around 20 members of the community contributed.

Congressman Crowley spoke about the activities of the India caucus and elaborated on the January 2004 visit to India of a 10-member Congressional delegation, of which he was the head. The delegation, he said, visited Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Akshardham etc.

Crowley also spoke at length about outsourcing. While admitting that it is difficult for any congressman to defend the loss of jobs in his country, he said, the problem with relation to India was minor as compared to China. "First we need to fix the enormous trade balance with China, which stands at more than $100 billion a year, before talking about the meager $10 billion with India," he said.

The Congressman also touched upon the caucus' initiatives in getting a Diwali postal stamp approved.

Congresswoman Denise Majette (D-GA), who was part of the Congressional delegation to India also addressed the gathering. She said Crowley was a source of "inspiration" to her in the Congress. Majette also shared her pleasant impressions of India with the attendees, and spoke about her friendship with Indian Americans. Boston based Democratic activist Ramesh Kapur also spoke on the occasion.

The Georgia Association of Physicians of Indian Heritage (GAPI) members plan another fundraiser in honor of Crowley in the coming days.

-Veena Rao

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